SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) is a common tool for intimidating and silencing people who speak out on matters of public interest through expensive, baseless legal proceedings. The most likely targets of SLAPPs are journalists, media outlets, editors, activists, and NGOs.  

Vexatious lawsuits have become a common experience for journalists across the world, and Europe is not an exception. Investigative journalists are all too often dragged to court for exposing wrongdoings, wasting valuable time and newsroom resources on legal proceedings, rather than fulfilling their watchdog role and informing readers.

Despite responses formulated by the European Union and the Council of Europe, there is evidence that the number of such lawsuits is still extremely high. Business people, politicians, and even some prime ministers tend to sue journalists who cover them – usually for articles that are well-researched and statements that are factually true. This event will bring together leading journalists and media researchers to share insights and best practices on how journalists can withstand such pressure, as well as understand how journalistic unions and associations can best protect their members.  

This is the second Transnational Online Awareness Raising event of the M4CD – Media for Citizens and Democracy in the Digital Age training project, an initiative of the CMPF and the IFJ. It brings together leading journalists and media researchers to share insights and best practices.